18/05/2026
THE IRISH FA & FIFA PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH DOWN & ARDS SMALL-SIDED GAMES FEMALE PLAYERS & COACHES
Inspired by the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship
As Northern Ireland hosted Germany and France in yesterday UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship Final, there has never been a better time for girls and women across North Down & Ards to get involved in football.
We were delighted to welcome Marta Tejedor from FIFA alongside Lauren Moore (Irish FA Women’s Development Manager), Marissa Callaghan (Women’s Development Officer), and Heather Kerr (Irish FA Game Development Officer), to see first-hand the fantastic work taking place within North Down & Ards Small-Sided Games.
Outside of the UEFA U17’s Final itself, the only other football experience Marta attended during her visit to Northern Ireland was within our North Down & Ards Small-Sided Games programme, and she was absolutely delighted with what she saw across the clubs, coaches, and young female players involved.
The visit showcased everything that is great about the female game across our development pathway — from 3v3, 5v5, 7v7, and 9v9 football.
Marta and the Irish FA team were hugely impressed by the enthusiasm of the players, and the development opportunities being created for young girls across the area.
We would love to encourage even more females to get involved with a club — whether that is as a player, coach, volunteer, administrator, or helping to promote the female game within your local community.
If your club does not yet have a female section, now is the perfect time to consider building one — from introducing 3v3 football for our youngest players right through to senior women’s football.
Anybody and everybody can get involved.
Whether you are completely new to football or already playing, there is a place for you.
Join the Game. Build Confidence. Make Friends. Have Fun.
